August 17-19, 2018

In August 2017, over 80 groups (theatre, bands, comics, and filmmakers) performed over 3 days on two stages.

This August, we're doing it again. It will be even bigger and better in 2018.

For a $15 Day Pass you can see any show on that day. For a $30 weekend pass you can see any show the whole weekend. Come and go as you wish. You can see a play and then walk over to the other stage and see a band.

YippieFest is a unique opportunity to see a wide variety of shows from the Chicago arts community.

"Yippies" were members of the Youth International Party, a counterculture movement mixing psychedelic hippies with political activists, that began in 1967. With a flair for theatrics and satirical pranks, the Yippies grabbed media attention in the U.S. protesting war and the criminalization of marijuana, and criticizing institutions of government and greed. Some of their most notable mischief included an attempt to levitate The Pentagon, nominating a Pig for President, throwing pies at politicians, and bringing Santa Claus to the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Pot, politics, music, performance and humor fueled the Yippies. Once referred to as "Groucho Marxists," they aimed to change the system and to provide a means of expression for everyone. According to one of the founders, Jerry Rubin, "We try to bring out the yippie in everybody."